What to Know Before Hiring a Digital Marketing Company

Hiring a digital marketing company can be a smart move — but with so many options out there, it’s important to choose wisely. The right partner can raise your visibility, drive leads, and grow your business. The wrong one can waste time, money, and opportunities. Here are the key things to consider before you commit:

1. What Are Your Goals & Budget?

Before you start talking to agencies, get crystal clear on what you want to accomplish:

• Are you looking for more website traffic?
• More leads/bookings?
• A full rebrand and new website?
• Better SEO, social presence, or paid ads?



Understanding your goals — and roughly how much you’re willing to invest — will help you find an agency whose services and pricing match what you need. A great agency will ask you this too before proposing a plan

2. Check Their Experience, Portfolio & Results

Don’t just pick the first agency you find. Dig into their track record:



• Do they have experience working with businesses similar to yours or in your industry?
• Can they show real results — not just pretty designs or campaigns, but measurable improvements like increased traffic, higher conversions or leads, better SEO rankings?
• Are their results recent? The online world changes fast — you want a partner that stays current.

An agency’s portfolio and case studies should tell a story of problem-solving and real growth — not just deliverables.

3. Understand Their Strategy & Transparency

A good marketing company isn’t just about flashy visuals or promises — it's about having a clear, data-driven plan:



• Can they explain their process in straightforward terms (SEO, content, design, ads, reporting)?
• Do they set realistic expectations (timelines, results, required input from you)?
• Will they communicate regularly and keep you informed? Transparency and clear communication are big predictors of a good, long-term collaboration.

If an agency can’t walk you through exactly how they plan to help you reach your goals — that’s a red flag.

4. Confirm What’s Included — Services, Deliverables, and What Happens Later

Marketing needs evolve, and you want to be sure the agency can grow with you:

• Will they build and maintain your website (if that’s part of your plan)?
• Are SEO, content creation, branding, ad setup, maintenance, and support included or optional add-ons?
• What happens after the first project? Can you expect ongoing updates, analytics tracking, or option for future growth?
• Do they avoid shady shortcuts (like black-hat SEO, paid backlinks, or false promises)? Ethical practices matter for long-term results.

5. Ask About Reporting, Metrics & How Success Is Measured

Marketing without measurement is just guesswork. A solid digital partner should clearly define how they measure success and report results:

• What KPIs will they track (traffic, leads, conversions, ranking improvements)?
• How often will you receive updates or performance reports?
• Will they help you interpret the results and adjust strategy as needed?



Agencies that commit to transparent reporting and regular reviews give you better insight — and better long-term results.

6. Ensure They Align With Your Brand & Values

Your marketing partner becomes an extension of your brand. Make sure they “get” your style and values:

• Do they understand your industry and target audience?
• Can they deliver work that feels like you — not a generic template or cookie-cutter strategy?
• Will they treat you like a partner, not just another client? Personalization and alignment can make or break an agency relationship.

7. Watch Out for Common Red Flags

Not all agencies are created equal. Here are signs to watch out for before you hire:

• Overly aggressive promises like “#1 ranking guaranteed” or “instant results” — SEO and digital marketing are long-term efforts.
• Poor communication, vague plans, or unwillingness to share results.
• Hidden costs or unclear scope of work. Always ask for a detailed breakdown.



Be wary of pressure to sign long-term contracts before seeing a real strategy. 

8. Trust Your Gut — but Also Trust the Data

Finally — instincts matter. If something feels off in your initial conversations, it probably will be later. But also — make sure your decision is backed by data: past results, clear metrics, a sound strategy, and transparent communication. A good agency will welcome your questions — and give clear, honest answers.

Ready to Partner With Confidence?

Choosing the right digital marketing company doesn’t have to be stressful. By defining your goals, doing your homework, and asking the right questions, you can find a partner that helps your business grow — not just another vendor. If you’d like help evaluating options, or you’re curious if our approach at RA Digital Creative would be a good fit for your brand, reach out. We’d be happy to talk through your needs, walk you through our process, and explore how we can work together to build something great.